Jordyn Rudd plays third base for Center Grove’s softball team after starting in right field during last season’s run to a Class 4A state championship.
Turns out her stay at the hot corner might, too, be temporary. But she’s not complaining.
Versatility, after all, is one of her many strengths. She says that provides flexibility for coach Russ Milligan.
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“I’m mainly a catcher, but I’ll play anywhere,” Rudd said. “Wherever coach puts me is fine.”
Rudd’s versatility defensively is matched by her prowess at the plate.
The 2015 Trojans featured five senior starters. Rudd, a sophomore, was anything but a wide-eyed teammate hoping to contribute to a squad that would finish 29-2 when she started as a freshman.
She finished the season hitting a blistering .516 to go along with 10 doubles, two triples and three home runs. She earned first-team honors on the Daily Journal’s All-County Team, along with five of her teammates.
Rudd even proved to be money on the biggest stage.
With a packed house looking on at the Ben Davis High School softball complex last June, Rudd, batting cleanup, went 2 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored in the Trojans’ 6-2 victory against Lake Central in the Class 4A title contest.
These are moments Rudd prepares for during hours of hitting softballs off a tee and into netting in her garage during the offseason.
“It’s the same game as travel softball,” said Rudd, who this summer will play for Indiana Magic Gold 16-under team out of Rochester. “I’ve always played softball with older girls, so I’m used to it.
“I put a lot of work into hitting and fielding. I take as many cuts as I can.”
Despite not getting as many quality pitches during at-bats this season, Rudd leads her team in virtually every offensive category — including average (.574), home runs (5) and RBI (23) — entering Monday’s game at Franklin Central.
Rudd has delivered 27 base hits, scored 15 runs — also Center Grove bests — and been successful on all four stolen base attempts.
Impressive numbers also follow her into the classroom. Rudd, who carries a 3.8 grade-point average, has verbally committed to play softball at Northwestern University.
The Wildcats’ program in time will benefit from Rudd’s many positive athletic and academic qualities.
For now and in the immediate future, Center Grove is the beneficiary.
“Jordyn is a great softball player who had an incredible freshman year. The big question was how is she going to do without the help of being guarded by (current Purdue player) Mallory Baker in the lineup,” Milligan said.
“Through 13 games, she has answered that question.”
Rudd recently hit two home runs in consecutive games only a day apart — a 12-1 triumph at North Central and a 5-4 loss at Cathedral. In a 10-0 blanking of Columbus North at the Trojan Classic over the weekend she contributed a triple and homer.
“Jordyn loves and thrives in the big moment. She is a great technician at the plate. She can foul off any pitch when she needs to and waits for the pitcher to make a mistake,” Milligan said.
“In short, Jordyn loves softball, works at it harder than anyone and is willing to do what is best for the team. Pretty much the whole package.”
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THE RUDD FILE
Name: Jordyn Rudd
Age: 16
Born: Greenwood
Family: Parents, James and Michele; sister, Alexis, 13
Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite movie: “Rudy”
Favorite athlete: Kendra Lynch
Favorite team: Northwestern University softball
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